Hybrid perovskite solar cell generates power from sun and rain
Researchers at ICMS in Seville have developed a hybrid perovskite solar cell that generates electricity from both sunlight and raindrops, using the photovoltaic and triboelectric effects. A fluorinated CFₓ polymer layer enables water resistance, triboelectric energy harvesting, and high light transparency without reducing solar cell efficiency.
How to address imbalance datasets in solar panel dust detection
Researchers from South Korea improved solar panel dust detection by using SMOTE and stable diffusion (SD) augmentation, with SD boosting detection accuracy from 76.5% to 98.9% while preserving spatial realism.
Iraq slashes solar import tariffs to 5%
The Iraqi Customs Authority has cut customs duties on solar energy systems from 33% to 5% – covering PV panels, inverters, cables, and lithium batteries – to accelerate solar adoption, following financing support from the Central Bank of Iraq.
Singapore raises 2030 solar target to 3 GW
Singapore has increased its 2030 solar target by 1 GW after surpassing the original 2 GW goal before the end of last year.
Austria’s Accupower launches residential sodium-ion battery
The Natec Home has a nominal capacity of 7.68 kWh and a power output of 3.8 kW, and allows parallel connection of up to 15 units. The reference price is set at €3,990.
South Korea eases solar siting rules to cut permitting delays for PV projects
South Korea has passed legislative amendments to limit the ability of local authorities to impose separation distances on solar projects, removing a major permitting barrier for PV developers.
Moldova installs 315 MW of solar in 2025
Moldova had a record year for solar deployment last year, taking cumulative capacity to 710 MW. There is now just under 1 GW of renewables installed in the country.
Daikin launches new propane heat pumps for commercial, industrial applications
Daikin has introduced two new propane heat pump lines for industrial and district heating applications, combining monobloc units from 20 kW to 85 kW with modular systems scalable up to 2 MW.
CHN Energy switches on 2 GW solar plant at coal-mining subsidence area
The PV facility transforms a coal-subsidence zone into one of China’s largest utility-scale solar and transmission hubs. It is part of a 6 GW solar cluster, of which 4 GW are now operational.
All European sodium-ion battery manufacturers at a glance
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will place sodium batteries at the center of its work on the EU’s industrial strategy and is calling for swift action. pv magazine has compiled a list of manufacturers developing this technology in Europe.
